CM VI – Lesson – Flowcharts

Tejas and Jyoti discuss a flowchart that they saw with Moz. Kaumudi: For the scenario consider the
dialogue given below of Tejas and Jyoti.
The multiplication table flowchart + scenario here.
Tejas: We visited a computer exhibition for school students. We saw a super computer,
demonstration of many uses of computer and many interesting applications.
Jyoti: In one of the stalls, we could enter any number as input and the computer was displaying the
multiplication table of the number. The picture shown above was used by the person at the stall, to
explain the sequence of steps followed by the computer, to display the table.
Jyoti: We observed that those who did not know about computers and programming could also
understand what was explained by the picture.
Moz: This picture is called a flowchart. One of the uses of flowchart is to describe the sequence of
steps and logic of solving a problem, before writing a computer program. Flowchart also helps in
communicating the steps of the solution to others.

Tejas: I see that various geometrical shapes are used in this representation. We are eager to learn
about flowcharts.
Moz: Let us start with a simple example. Look at the following flowchart of adding two natural
numbers A and B. Let us discuss the problem solution and the geometrical shapes used.

Example:
Start

Start
|
Read A A = 845
|
B = 247
|
Sum = 845 + 247
Read B |
Sum = 1092
|
Sum = A + B End

Print Sum

End
Jyoti: Start and also end of the flowchart are shown with an ellipse.
Moz: A flowchart should give a clear indication as to where the problem solving flow starts and
where it ends. The start of a problem solving process and the end are indicated using the ellipse.

Tejas: Our goal is addition of two given numbers. So, first we identify the data that is given. In
this problem we have the two numbers A and B. Reading their values are represented by
parallelograms.
Moz: Right. What would you call reading in values in computer terms?
Jyoti: Input.
Moz: The data or information that is available, (which is called input) is represented using a
parallelogram in the flowchart.

Moz: What is the next step.

Tejas: The next step is to add the numbers, which is called processing in computer terms. We
learned this term in “Inside computer” lesson. The details of processing of data is represented in a
rectangle.

Moz: Correct.
Jyoti: The next step is to write the result of the addition, which is output in computer terms. This is
also specified in a parallelogram.
Moz: Right. A parallelogram is used to specify both input and output in a flowchart. What
else do you notice in the flowchart?

Tejas: An arrow points from one step to the next step in the flowchart.
Moz: In a flowchart arrows are used to connect the steps in a sequence and show the flow of the
problem solving process.

Jyoti: We learnt step by step thinking to solve a problem in CM III. Using flowcharts we can show
the sequence of these steps.
Moz: Yes. The step by step method of solving the problem is specified using a flowchart. This helps
you to be clear about the input, procedure and output. It also helps you to communicate the solution.

Concept

What is a flow chart?

 A flowchart is a picture (graphical representation) of the problem solving process.
 A flowchart gives a step-by-step procedure for solution of a problem.

Elements of a flowchart
 Various geometrical shaped boxes represent the steps of the solution.
 The boxes are connected by directional arrows to show the flow of the solution.

Uses of flowchart:
 To specify the method of solving a problem,
 To plan the sequence of a computer program,
Communicate ideas, solutions.

Concept/Guidelines: Drawing of a flowchart.

 Identify input and output
 Apply reasoning skills to solve the problem
 Draw the flowchart using the appropriate symbols and arrows to show the
sequence of steps in solving the problem.

Moz: Now consider the following problem and draw the flowchart for its solution.
Savani bought a toy for Rs. 325 and sold the same for Rs. 458. Explain how we can find if
Savani has made a profit or a loss.
Tejas: In this problem the goal is to find whether Savani makes a profit or loss.

Jyoti: We know the Cost Price and the Selling Price.

We can read them as input, so they are represented as parallelograms.

Read Cost price (CP)

Read Cost price (CP)

Read Selling price (SP)

Tejas: Next we have to compare Selling Price and Cost Price to find which price is more. This will
tell us whether Savani has made profit or loss. How do we show comparison in a flowchart?
Moz: Can you phrase this step as a question with the two possible answers?
Tejas: We can ask a question “ Is selling price more than cost price?”.
Moz: Right. The answer to this question can be “Yes” or “No”. If, answer is “Yes” we have to
calculate profit. If, answer is “no” we have to calculate loss. This decision taking step is
represented as follows in a flowchart.

Yes
Question? Next Step to be
taken when the
answer is yes.
No

Next Step to be
taken when the
answer is no
Jyoti: If the answer is “Yes”, it means that selling price is more than the cost price and Savani has
made profit. Profit is calculated as,
Selling price – cost price

Yes
Is SP > CP Profit = SP-CP

No

Tejas: If the answer is “No”, it means that cost price is less than selling price and Savani has made
loss. Loss is calculated as
 Cost price – Selling price.

Yes
Is SP > CP Profit = SP-CP

No
Print Profit
Loss = CP - SP

Moz: Good. You have used logical reasoning to solve this problem. Now complete the flowchart.
Flowchart - How to find profit or loss

Start

For given example

Read Cost price (CP)
Read Selling price (SP) 1. Read
CP = 325
SP = 458

Yes 2. Condition
Is SP > CP Profit = SP-CP SP is greater than CP

3. Processing
No Profit = 458 – 325
= 133
Print Profit
Loss = CP - SP 4. Output
Savani made profit of
Rs. 133.

Print Loss
Stop

Flowchart symbols and their purpose

Geometric shape Purpose
Ellipse Ellipse is used to indicate the start and end of a
flowchart. Start written in the ellipse indicates
the beginning of a flowchart.
End or Stop or Exit written in the ellipse
indicates the end of the flowchart.
Parallelogram A parallelogram is used to read data (input) or to
print data (output).
Rectangle A rectangle is used to show the processing that
takes place in the flowchart.
Diamond Yes A diamond with two branches is used to show
the decision making step in a flowchart.
A question is specified in the diamond. The next
step in the sequence is based on the answer to
the question which is “Yes” or “No”.
Arrows Arrows are used to connect the steps in a
flowchart, to show the flow or sequence of the
problem solving process

Moz: Suppose you have to write a scratch program using the flowchart that you have just drawn.
Can you do it now?
Tejas: Yes. We can!
Jyoti: This is great. We can also plan a computer program using flowcharts.
Jyoti: Sometimes we need to repeat a sequence. How do we represent this in the flowchart?
Moz: Let us consider the multiplication table flowchart that you saw at the exhibition. See how
repetition is represented in a flowchart. This is also called a loop.
Multiplication table of 12 upto 10
Flowchart of multiplication table for a given number N
Start
Start Read
N = 12 Output

Read Number Processing

N Count =1
Multiple = 12 x 1 = 12
1 times 12 is 12
Count = 1
Count = 1+1 = 2
2 times 12 is 24
Arrow connects to the Count = 2+1 = 3
start of the sequence to ......... Start of the
be repeated Multiple = N x Count Countto=be
9+1 = 10
sequence
12 * 10 =repeated.
120
Count =10
End
Print Count times N = Multiple

No Is Yes
Add 1 to the current Stop
Count = 10
value of count

Jyoti: The repetition sequence starts with Count =1. N is mltiplied with 1 and output is printed. Next
since count is not equal to 10 we add 1 to count. N is multiplied with 2 and output is printed. The
sequence is repeated next for 3, 4 and so on.
Tejas: The repetition sequence stops when Count =10.
Moz: Correct. A decision structure has been used to start and stop the repetition.
Jyoti: In this flowchart output is not coming at the end and there are multiple outputs.
Moz: Good observation. The output need not always come at the end of a flowchart. Similarly in
some flowcharts input need not always be at the beginning of the flowchart.
Moz: Try out another problem How do you find the factorial of a number?
Jyoti: Suppose the number is 10. Then factorial of ten is calculated as
10! = 1*2*3*4*5*6*7*8*9*10
Moz: Can you draw the flowchart for finding factorial of any given number?

Jyoti: Yes. We can. We have to use both decision and loop in this flowchart.

Start

Find factorial of N
Read N
Start
N = 10
M=1
Set M= 1
F=1
Set F = 1
F = 1 * 1 = 1; M < 10 ; M = 1 +1 = 2
F = 1 * 2 = 2; M < 10; M = 2 +1 = 3
F = 2 * 3 = 6; M<10; M = 3 + 1 = 4
F = 6 * 4 = 24; M<10; M = 4 +1 = 5
Add 1 to the
Current value of M ............

New value of F = current value of

F multiplied by M
M<10;M = 9 + 1 = 10
F = 362880 * 10 = 3628800
M = N = 10
Factorial of 10 = 3628800
Is M = N ?
End

Print F

End

Moz: Explain the logic that is used in the loop and specifically the following processing box of the
flowchart. New value of F = current value of
F multiplied by M

Jyoti: N is the number for which we have to find the factorial.

At the start of the loop
We start with F =1 and M =1.
Since we have to start with 1 multiplied by 2 we add 1 to M.
Current value of F which is equal to 1 is multiplied by 2.
 The result of this multiplication is equal to 2.
Since M is less than N we enter the loop again with current value of F=2.
Next we add 1 to M which becomes 3.
Current value of F which is equal to 2 is multiplied by 3.
The result of this multiplication is equal to 6.
Since M is less than N we enter the loop again with current value of F = 6.

Moz: Good. Now let us consider a game. Do you know the game of snakes and ladders?
Tejas: Yes.
Moz: Ok. Draw a flowchart to show how the game is played.
Tejas and Jyoti draw this flowchart.
Flowchart - Snakes and Ladder game

Start
Give dice to
Next player
Throw the dice

Move your coin

Landed on yes Slide down to the

Snake head? Tail of the snake

No

yes
Landed at the
Bottom of the ladder? Move up the ladder

No

Reached the last No

Block of the game?

Yes A picture of

Snakes and
ladders here next
You are the to the flowchart.
Winner
 End

Uses of flowchart: Graphical representation of instructions – ex: games, building models etc.
Tejas: The flowchart itself can be put into the box of the game so that those who want to play know
the rules of the game and can easily understand how they win.
Moz: We have seen some examples where flowcharts are used. There are many more uses of
flowcharts and they can be used whenever you feel that you can communicate better with this
graphical representation.

Info: Other uses of flowchart

 Communicating ideas
 Show the logic of classification of data
 To teach and also to learn.

Tejas: We are eager to learn another programming language.

Moz: Sure. Next you will be learning BASIC where you can use some of the flowcharts that you
have drawn in this lesson.
Chin Chinaki.
 Work sheet

1. Which is not true about the arrows used in a flowchart?

i. Direction of arrow shows the flow in a flowchart.

ii. Arrows are used show the sequence of the problem solving.
iii. Arrows are used to connect boxes in a flowchart.
iv. Arrows can be used to represent an input.

2. Match the elements of a flowchart and their purpose of use in the following:

Purpose Use
Calculate total of A, B, C Loop
Indicate that the problem has been solved. Start
Find if a number is greater than the other Process
Read a number and calculate the factorial of the Input
number.
Read three numbers Stop
Print the total Decision
Indicate beginning of a problem solving flow. Output
3. Complete the crossword puzzle.

4. The

following flowchart classifies animals as herbivore or carnivore. Lion is a meat eating

animal. Elephants eat only plants. Study the flowchart and answer the questions.

a)
Indicat
e each
elemen
t of the
flowch
art by
putting
'I' for
input,
'O' for
output,
'D' for
decisio
n in the
circles
provide
d next
to the
boxes.

b) Put a
rectang
le
around
the
decisio
n
structur
e.
Hint:
See
page ....
in the
lesson.

c)
What is
the
conditi
on
which
classifi
es an
animal
as
carnivo
re.

______
______
______
______
______
______
_

Write
the
Executi
on
steps if
the
input is
a Lion.

______
______
______
___

______
______
______
____

______
______
______
______

______
______
______
______
__

______
______
______
______
____

d)
What is
the
conditi
on
which
classifi
es an
animal
as
herbivo
re?
______
______
______
______
______
______
_

Write
the
Executi
on
steps if
the
input is
an
 elephan
t.

______
______
______
___

______
______
______
____

______
______
______
______

______
______
______
______
__

______
______
______
______
____

5. A, B, C are the marks scored by a student in Science, Mathematics and English. Refer the
flowchart and answer the quesions.
 a) Sweta, who scores 60 marks in
Science, 70 marks in mathematics and 75 marks
in English.Use the adjacent flowchart and
provide the execution steps in calculating the
average marks of Sweta. The first step is given.

60, 70, 75
________
_________
___________

b) A student whose average marks is above

75 is awarded a * . Fill in the following
phrases in the flowchart for finding if a
student gets a star or not.
Yes, No, Award a star, Do better to get a star,
Is average greater than 75.

c) Is Sweta awarded a * ? Yes or No ?

_________

d) Marks of two more students are given

below.
Science Mathematics English
Riya 75 80 72
Suman 73 70 80

Fill in the blanks with the average marks of each

student and whether the student is awarded a star
or not.

Riya's average is ___ . So she is ________ a

star .

Suman is ___. So he is ____________ a star.

e) The three main steps in the given flowchart
are:

i)Read marks of three students

ii) -----------------
iii)-----------------

6. The following flowchart gives the steps followed while taking attendance in a class. Three arrows and a loop
are missing. Complete the flowchart as follows:

a) Draw the three missing arrows and loop at the correct place.
 b) Label the decision arrows with yes or no.

Start
`

Call out name

Did you hear Mark absent in

Present? The register.

Mark present in
The register.

Is it the
Last name?

Stop

7. The following empty flowchart gives the steps to be followed while seeking admission to new
school. The phrases to be filled in the boxes are also given. Complete the flowchart by using the
phrases.
 8.Lengths of three sides of a triangle a, b, c are given as input. Draw a flowchart to find if the
triangle is isosceles, equilateral, or scalene.

Hint: In an equilateral triangle three sides are equal.

 In an isosceles triangle two sides are equal.
In a scalene triangle three sides are not equal.

9. There are four types of fruits Apples, Oranges, Bananas and Grapes. Each student can pick up
two fruits. There are some conditions which have to be used to pick up the fruits. Draw a flow chart
which can take the name of first fruit as an input and print the names of second fruit or fruits that
can be picked up. The conditions are:

 If you pick an apple you cannot pick orange.

 If you pick orange you cannot pick banana.
 If you pick grapes you cannot pick apple.
Hint: There will be one input box to read the first fruit, three decision boxes and four output boxes
in the flowchart.

11. Frame a question( Hint: Try to make a question, which will have the answer given below)
For example:
The answer given is:
Some of the boxes of different shapes used in a flowchart are

, , and

The question can be:

Draw some of the symbols used in a flowchart?

Now frame a question for each of the answers given below:

a. The answer given is : In a flowchart, we use a rectangular box to represent a process .
The question can be: ___________________________________________________?

b. The answer given is : In a repetition structure, the process is repeated till the condition is
satisfied.
The question can be: ___________________________________________________?
c. The answer given is : The decision structure has two branches, Yes or No.
The question can be: ___________________________________________________?

3. Activity

1.Select one of the games given below from GCompris and draw a flowchart to explain the rules of
the game. .
 Memory games with images
  Image name (drag and drop each item above its name)
 Numbers with dice

2.Use one of the following applications - open office draw/ Kivio (available for Linux)/ Diagram
Ring (available for windows) --- to draw a flow chart for the above on the computer.

Group Activity.

Play Computer Class: Divide the class into four teams - INPUT DATA, OPERATIONS,
DECISION, and OUTPUT. Nominate one person from input and output team to play the role of
start and end box respectively. Each group has a set task to perform based on instructions given to
them by another team. You can give one the following situations for students to work through the
process of flow chart.
(i) A wired telephone in your house rings and you have to attend the call.
(ii) You visit a pediatrician for check up.
(iii) You go to a post office with a note of Rupees 10 to purchase stamps
worth Rupees 5.

Project

a) Input, output and decision phrases are given in the table given below. Note that one input phrase
corresponds to one flowchart. Draw three flow charts using the phrases in the table for the
following:

i) A flowchart which conveys the rules in AWARE

ii) A flowchart which conveys Accept rule of SMART
iii) A flowchart which conveys Meet rule of SMART

Input phrases Decision phrases Output phrases

i) An image to be used in Is the image copyrighted? Delete mail.
presentation. Is the mail from a friend? Meet the person.
ii) New Email in inbox. Is it marked SPAM in Subject of mai? Might have virus. Do not open.
Iii) Online request to Is the Meet request from friend? Take permission.
meet. Is permission given to use image? Meet in the presence of an adult
Is it from a resource with Creative family member.
commons (CC)? Acknowledge use of image.
Accept mail.
Do not use the image.

b) There are three more rules of SMART which are Safety, Reliability, and Tell. Draw a flowchart
for each of these rules by creating the phrases on your own. Compare your flowcharts with other
groups in the class.
c) The teacher can evaluate and select the flowcharts that can be converted to posters for SMART
and AWARE and put them up for display.